Chelsea Are Among The Clubs Hoping To Land This Ligue 1 Midfielder: Should Alonso Bring Him On Board?

In a recent report, journalist Graeme Bailey mentioned that Chelsea are among the clubs hoping to land Lille midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi. It has been claimed that the Blues would have to rival Arsenal and Manchester City in the race to sign the Morocco international later this year.

Boauddi’s Impressive Rise In Ligue 1

Bouaddi enjoyed a good run of form at the French club after he produced a series of impressive performances for them in the middle of the park. The 18-year-old picked up one assist in 42 matches for Lille last season, securing one assist in the process across multiple competitions.

The Moroccan talent is currently one of the most gifted central midfielders in Ligue 1. Hence, the Blues would do well to win the race for his services in this transfer window.

His current contract at the French club will run out in the summer of 2029, which could make it tough for Chelsea to sign him on a cut-price deal later this year.

GUADALUPE, MEXICO – JUNE 29: Ayyoub Bouaddi of Morocco arrives at the stadium before the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 match between Netherlands and Morocco at Monterrey Stadium on June 29, 2026 in Guadalupe, Mexico. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

Should Chelsea Boss Xabi Alonso Bring Bouaddi On Board?

Bouaddi is a good tackler of the ball and can scan the danger well to secure possession back for his team inside his half. He usually puts his foot through the ball when required and can retain possession well for his team at the centre of the park.

The Moroccan talent can even create the odd chance for others around him inside the opponent’s half. Bouaddi mainly plays as a box-to-box midfielder but can also serve as a defensive midfielder if told to do so. However, it remains to be seen whether he can make a smooth transition to life in Premier League football if the Blues manage to get a deal done for him later this year.

We can expect Bouaddi to improve the quality of Chelsea head coach Xabi Alonso’s squad in the long run. He is already good enough to fight for a regular starting spot at Stamford Bridge in the coming seasons.

At 18, the future looks quite promising for Bouaddi as long as he continues to improve with each year. Hence, Chelsea should consider trying everything in their power to bring him on board before the end of this transfer window.